Some interesting comments here. The content of Aeroplane Monthly is similar to FlyPast because both magazines cater for the same readership. Of course Aeroplane Monthly has been around a whole lot longer than FlyPast therefore it would be fair to say that FlyPast effectively duplicates Aeroplane Monthly's remit, not vice-versa. Key Publishing bought Air International and Aviation News titles but both publications are obviously rather different to the originals.
Yes, there is a substantial amount of advertising in Aeroplane Monthly, but not a huge amount. It is necessary of course. The cost of publishing a specialised magazine of this nature requires income from both sales and advertising if it is to survive.
The Comet publication and the Cold War Jets publication are produced by the same publisher that produces Aeroplane Monthly. They're not "freebies" though, they're stand-alone publications that are now part of the "Aeroplane Illustrated" series (the free issue of the Comet publication is a special offer promotion). They're a little more expensive than a standard magazine but they have a lot more pages and hardly any advertising, so in terms of value-for-money, they're better than a standard magazine. They provide an opportunity to explore specific aircraft or subjects in far more detail than a typical magazine can, and as such, they work very well - in effect a "monograph" at half the price (or less) than a typical booklet of this type.
As for "dumbing down" editorial, it's a thorny subject. Of course, the key issue is commercial viability. Catering for the interests of enthusiasts is difficult, because everyone has different interests, different levels of knowledge, and different expectations from magazines. Ultimately, the broadest approach has to be taken, so that the publication appeals to the most people. Admittedly it's annoying for those who want something different but there's no alternative, other than doubling the cover price. What was once commercially viable is now no longer possible. There are just not enough aviation enthusiasts out there who want to buy magazines.
I accept that sometimes articles or images are reprinted, but it's usually for good reason - usually because there's a perceived demand to see things again. But I think it would be unfair to accuse Aeroplane Monthly of being any more "dumbed-down" or commercial than any other publication. One only has to look at Key Publishing's magazines and specials to see that they also take hard-headed commercial decisions. As Nige says, the internet has almost destroyed print publishing.
Having said that, if any of you really do feel strongly that there is subject matter, style or content that you feel is missing, then tell the publisher! It's impossible to know what every reader wants unless every reader says something.
Last edited by WH904; 17th Aug 2014 at 19:49.